Locals oppose plans for a new road in Sussex,ITV Meridian, 22 May 2013 [about the ‘Gateway road’]

Link Road alternative not fully investigated, Hastings Observer, 13 May 2013
Released Information, Hastings Observer, 10 May 2013 [editorial: “what is revealed is that plans were rushed through without proper thought … One would have thought the DfT would have nothing to hide from the public when making recommendations to ministers on whether or not to fund such a major project, however now it becomes clear that uncertainties are what they were trying to hide.”]

George Osborne digs himself a hole: ‘Uneconomical’ roads to get go-ahead, Independent on Sunday, 6 May 2013 (Mostly about the BHLR, which is cited as a ‘vivid example’ of George Osborne’s ‘pushing ahead with a massive nationwide road-building programme despite high-level concerns from ministers and Department for Transport (DfT) officials that there is little evidence it will boost the economy.’ Quite a bit about the (formerly) secret Link Road docs.)

The running battle brewing in 1066 country, Daily Telegraph, 14 January 2013 [Comment piece by former Telegraph editor Charles Moore: “As I write, angry grandmothers are tying themselves up in the branches of trees, attempting to prevent the advance guard of chainsaws which precede the Norman cavalry, otherwise known as the road-builders. Combe Haven valley is just inland from Bulverhythe. If Mr Austin and Mr Grehan are right, that William did, indeed, land at Bulverhythe and camped at Upper Wilting Farm on the hill above, then the new road threatens the Norman site. If Mr Austin is correct, that the battle took place at Crowhurst, then the entire site from coast to village becomes semi-sacred. The anti-link campaigners would then be able to stop the road, at least until everything had been properly excavated.”]

Link Road protest reaches new heights, Battle Observer, 11 January 2013 [NB This piece uncritically reproduces the police claims that: (a) they were forced to shut the road (they weren’t); and (b) makes unfounded assertions about the employment status of those arrested.]

BBC Today programme, BBC Radio 4, 10 January 2013. Two five min slots: “Roger Harrabin with the new swampies” [starts around 7.21am]; and debate between the Campaign for Better Transport’s Stephen Joseph and Adam Marshall from the British Chambers of Commerce [starts around 8.42am]. Should be available on to “listen again” to for several days through this link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/listen_again/default.stm

Protestor up telegraph pole closes road, Hastings Observer, 9 January 2013 [Note: The claims about the arrestees employment status appear to originate with the police. In our experience the police label anyone who refuses to disclose their employment status to the police – which the latter have no right to demand – as “unemployed”. Likewise, the police appear to have closed the road to cause disruption which they could then blame on protesters, as the pole was reportedly well away from the road.]